Premier League preview and odds: Everton vs Middlesbrough

Premier League preview and odds: Everton vs Middlesbrough

September 17 , 2016 17:30pm - Goodison Park

Premier League

High-flying Everton will look to build on their strong start to the season when they face newly-promoted Middlesbrough at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Everton make bright start under new boss

Having led unfancied Southampton to a sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season, Ronald Koeman has been tasked with performing a similar feat with top-flight regulars Everton.

Last term, the Toffees under-performed by their own admission but with a new board structure in place, efforts have been made to revitalise the club. So far, things are looking good for Koeman`s men who have started the season with a draw and three wins. As a result, they currently sit in third place in the table with a total of 10 points.

The team from the northwest will come into this game full of confidence after defeating a David Moyes-led Sunderland 3-0 away from home last weekend. Romelu Lukaku bagged all three goals to end a drought stretching back six-months.

Opponents Middlesbrough have had a strong start to their first season back in the top flight after a prolonged absence, securing a respectable five points from their first four games and suffering just one defeat in the process.

Boro`s momentum was rocked slightly when they fell 1-2 at home to Crystal Palace last weekend. Spanish boss Aitor Karanka will be hoping for a better display when they travel to Liverpool on Saturday evening.

Team news

The home side have some ongoing injury issues with James McCarthy, Muhamed Besic, Matthew Pennington and Tyias Browning all out of action.

Meanwhile, the visitors will have to make do without the crocked trio of Fabio Da Silva, James Husband and Grant Leadbitter.

Recent form (League)

Everton: WWWWD

Middlesbrough: LDLWD

Betting odds and tips

With Lukaku close to full fitness, Middlesbrough will have their work cut out containing the striker on Saturday. However, they have yet to lose away from home since returning to the top flight and have looked like a solid outfit under the guidance of their Basque Coach.

You can back the draw at 14/5 with Bet365

By Neil Morris

Go To bet365

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16/09/2016     © Frixo 2024